asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of a recent report of a meeting of the Western Health Board at which it was stated that some farmers in the board's area had refused to pay the £12 per annum statutory health contribution towards the cost of their health service entitlements; the number of farmers involved; and the number of cases in which legal proceedings have been instituted.
Written Answers. - Health Contribution.
88.
I am aware of the report referred to by the Deputy. I understand that no farmers have specifically refused to pay the health contribution, but some 7,500 have not yet complied with requests from the health board for such payment in respect of the last contribution year. I also understand that the board has instituted proceedings in an initial 18 cases and that further cases are pending.